Characteristics of the stages of lymphedema: Lymphedema refers to the obstruction of lymphatic return in a certain part of the body, causing soft tissue fluid to repeatedly infect the skin surface after infection, leading to subcutaneous fibrous connective tissue proliferation and fat hardening. If it occurs in a limb, it becomes thicker. In later stages, the skin becomes thickened, rough, and tough like elephant skin, also known as "elephantiasis." Below, we will look at the characteristics of the stages of lymphedema.
Characteristics of the stages of lymphedema
According to the WHO-recommended method for staging lymphedema, limb lymphedema is divided into seven stages (Ⅶ).
Characteristics of Stage Ⅰ lymphedema: Swelling can subside after nighttime bed rest, with very few cases of acute bacterial infection or unpleasant odors.
Characteristics of Stage Ⅱ lymphedema: Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest, occasionally accompanied by acute bacterial infections, skin damage, or mild odor.
Characteristics of Stage Ⅲ lymphedema: Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest. There is one or more skin folds on the swollen skin, occasional acute bacterial infections, frequent skin damage, and noticeable odor.
Characteristics of Stage Ⅳ lymphedema: Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest and is accompanied by tumor-like protrusions. The swollen skin has uneven hard nodules or tumor-like nodules. Some patients occasionally experience acute bacterial infections, frequent skin damage, and odor.
Characteristics of Stage Ⅴ lymphedema: Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest and is accompanied by deep skin folds. Occasional or frequent acute bacterial infections occur, most patients have skin damage and odor between the toes or in deep skin folds. Swelling may extend above the knee.
Characteristics of Stage Ⅵ lymphedema: Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest and is accompanied by lichenoid feet. There are many small, clustered elongated or round nodules on the foot (especially the toes), forming a lichenoid appearance, called lichenoid feet. Acute bacterial infections occur, almost all patients have skin damage and odor between the toes, often accompanied by skin cracks.
Characteristics of Stage Ⅶ lymphedema: Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest and is accompanied by obstacles to self-care. Frequent acute bacterial infections occur, with significant deep skin folds in the lower or upper limbs. Continuous skin damage and obvious odor occur within the deep folds and between the toes. Swelling extends above the knee in most patients. Patients at this stage cannot independently perform daily activities.
Characteristics of the stages of lymphedema? The above is a detailed introduction by experts on the characteristics of the stages of lymphedema, hoping it helps you. If you have more questions, you can consult online with experts from Shanxi Yikang Peripheral Vascular Hospital. Finally, wishing you good health.
For more details, please visit the lymphedema section of Shanxi Yikang Peripheral Vascular Hospital: http://www.sxykmgy.com/linbashuizhong/ or consult the experts for free. Experts will provide detailed answers based on the patient's specific situation.
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